hip replacement

[railrider 242]

I had valve replacement (aortic valve and aortic root replaced with saint jude and composite graft) Jan. 17 2005 other than periodic coumadin adjustments I have done great I am so thankful for good Dr's that was on top of my condition..I have no doubt that my heart health would have been severely compromised without attentive and caring Dr's..With that being said this is my question for my fellow valve recipients I have an appointment with my orthopedic Dr. on June 13 I am sure with my heart history I will have to go thru tests to make sure I am good to go thru the rigors of hip replacement surgery..How many days prior to surgery do you have to be off blood thinners (my case coumadin) in order to avoid a bleeding issue? Anyone with any info I would sure appreciate it..God bless

Mick

 

[AgilityDog]

Generally for surgery, with a mechanical valve, you withhold 5 to 7 days prior to surgery. You monitor your INR starting on the 2nd day withholding, and when you drop below 2.0 you bridge with lovenox at a rate of 1mg/kg body weight every 12 hours. They are shots into the fatty tissue just southeast and southwest of your navel. 1 kg = 2.2 lbs.

You stop the injections at least 16 hours prior to surgery. Usually you start back on the coumadin the night of surgery, and are back in range by day 3.

 

[railrider 242]

Laurie thanks so much for the info....